Understanding Why Drains Keep Clogging

If your sink or shower drain backs up repeatedly, it’s not just an annoyance; it may be a warning sign of more serious plumbing issues. Frequent clogs often indicate underlying issues such as aging pipes, inadequate drainage slope, or even sewer line obstructions.

These issues can lead to serious consequences such as water damage, mold growth, and even health risks if left unaddressed. The EPA warns that mold can develop within 24–48 hours after exposure to moisture, especially in areas with poor ventilation or inadequate drainage systems (EPA.gov).

Understanding what’s behind persistent clogs is the first step toward preventing damage—and saving money on costly emergency repairs.

Top Reasons Drains Keep Clogging

Hair and Soap Scum in Bathroom Drains

Bathroom clogs are typically caused by hair binding with soap residue, forming sticky clumps that narrow your pipes over time.

Prevent it: Install a drain catcher in your tub or shower and pour a monthly vinegar and baking soda mix to help dissolve buildup.

Grease, Food, and Debris in Kitchen Sinks

Even if you have a garbage disposal, kitchen drains are prone to clogs from food particles and especially fats, oils, and grease (FOG). When poured down the drain, grease cools and hardens inside pipes, restricting flow and collecting other debris.

Prevent it: Dispose of grease in the trash and avoid rinsing fibrous or starchy foods. The EPA notes that FOG is a common cause of blockages in sewer systems (EPA.gov).

Need help?Schedule a kitchen drain cleaning with Hunt’s Servicesto avoid backups.

Flushing Non-Flushables

Your toilet isn’t a trash can. Items like wipes (even “flushable” ones), paper towels, cotton balls, and feminine hygiene products don’t break down like toilet paper and can easily clog your plumbing or sewer main.

Tip: The EPA recommends flushing only human waste and toilet paper (EPA.gov).

Tree Root Intrusion in Outdoor Lines

Roots naturally seek moisture and can infiltrate sewer lines through small cracks or joints—especially in older homes with clay or cast-iron pipes. Once inside, they expand and cause severe blockages.

Pro Tip:Hunt’s Servicesoffers camera inspections to detect root intrusion early—before it results in a sewer backup.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) notes that aging infrastructure is a growing concern, especially in regions with mature housing stock (NAHB.org).

Poor Pipe Slope or Aging Plumbing

Homes constructed before the 1980s, like many in Tacoma, often have deteriorating pipes or improper drain slopes, which can trap debris and increase the risk of clogs.

If your home experiences frequent clogs despite your best efforts, a slope or pipe material issue may be the cause.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Don’t wait until water is backing up into your bathtub. Common warning signs of drain problems include:

• Gurgling Sounds: May indicate a venting issue or air trapped behind a clog.
• Multiple Slow Drains: Often a red flag for a main sewer line problem.
• Persistent Odors: Foul smells can signal decaying organic matter or stagnant water in pipes.

Take action early:Contact Hunt’s Servicesto inspect your drains before a small issue becomes a major repair.

DIY Fixes vs. When to Call a Professional

Safe DIY Methods

• Use a plunger or a hand-crank snake to dislodge minor blockages.
• Try a mix of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water to help clear buildup.

Caution: Be careful with chemical drain cleaners. According to plumbing safety guidance, these harsh chemicals can corrode older pipes over time and may create toxic fumes.

When It’s Time for Pros

If you notice:

• Recurring clogs that return soon after clearing
• Multiple drains affected at once
• Foul sewer odors or bubbling in toilets

…it’s time to bring in a licensed professional.Hunt’s Servicesutilizes tools such as hydro jetting and high-definition camera inspections to eliminate clogs at their source and assess the overall health of your entire drainage system.

Long-Term Solutions to Prevent Clogs

Schedule Preventive Drain Maintenance

Biannual professional cleanings can help prevent most major clogs. This also gives your plumber a chance to identify developing issues like corrosion or root infiltration early.

Pro Tip: Ask aboutHunt’s Services maintenance plansfor seasonal checkups and member discounts.

Build Better Habits at Home

Simple changes make a big difference:

• Use drain screens in tubs and sinks.
• Never pour grease down the drain—store it in a jar and throw it out.
• Post a reminder near toilets: flush only the “3 P’s”—pee, poo, and (toilet) paper.

Install Grease Traps or Drain Covers

These low-cost devices physically block solids and oils from entering your pipes. AHunt’s Services techniciancan recommend the right ones for your sinks, tubs, or laundry room drains.

Why Hunt’s Services Is Your Local Drain Expert

For over 20 years, Hunt’s Services has helped homeowners across Tacoma and South King County prevent plumbing problems before they start. Our technicians are licensed, experienced, and follow a no-pressure, flat-rate pricing model to ensure your peace of mind.

We do not upsell or surprise our clients; we emphasize lasting, professional repairs built on trust and transparency.

Ready to get proactive?Schedule your inspection todayorcontact us onlineto learn more about how we can help protect your home’s plumbing.

Why Late Summer Is the Right Time

As summer fades and cooler weather approaches in University Place, many homeowners turn their attention to fall routines. But before the rains return and leaves begin to fall, there’s a crucial home maintenance task that should be addressed: drain cleaning.

At Hunt’s Services, we understand how the transition from summer to fall can bring hidden plumbing challenges. Increased summer activity, dry weather, and aging infrastructure all contribute to potential blockages that reveal themselves only when the first autumn storm hits. This guide provides University Place residents with everything they need to know to prepare their home drainage systems for the rainy season.

Why Drain Cleaning Matters Before Fall

Homeowners in University Place face unique seasonal plumbing challenges. The end of summer is one of the most important times to address drainage health. Here’s why:

• Summer buildup: Heavy usage of sinks, showers, outdoor hoses, and garbage disposals during the summer can lead to grease, food, soap, and debris accumulation in drains.
• Root intrusion: Tree roots are more likely to invade aging sewer lines at the end of a dry summer as they seek moisture, weakening pipe integrity.
• Storm surge: Early fall rains place stress on already-compromised drains, quickly exposing any weaknesses through backups or slow drainage.

Drain issues that might have gone unnoticed during dry weather often escalate dramatically once rain begins. Our technicians commonly see a spike in emergency calls immediately after Labor Day, most of which could have been prevented with end-of-summer drain cleaning.

How to Spot Drain Issues Early 

Before hiring a professional, University Place homeowners can take a few minutes to inspect their drains. Performing a basic visual and auditory inspection can help identify the early warning signs of trouble.

Check for:

• Slow-draining sinks or tubs: Water that pools or drains slowly may indicate partial clogs.
• Unpleasant odors: Foul smells from drains often signal trapped food, grease, or bacteria buildup.
• Gurgling sounds: Bubbling or gurgling sounds when water drains are signs of airflow problems, often due to blockages.
• Outdoor pooling: Standing water near outdoor drains or sewer cleanouts could point to underground blockages or root intrusion.

Spotting these signs early can help you avoid more serious issues once the fall rains begin.

Five Essential End-of-Summer Drain Cleaning Tips

University Place homeowners can take a proactive approach to drain maintenance by following these five seasonal best practices:

1. Remove Surface Debris and Hair
   Use a plastic barbed tool or drain snake to pull hair and debris from bathroom sink and tub drains. This inexpensive step helps prevent minor clogs from becoming bigger problems.
2. Flush Drains with Boiling Water and Natural Cleaners
   Avoid chemical drain cleaners that can corrode pipes. Instead, pour boiling water down the drain followed by a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. This natural combo helps break down grease, soap scum, and minor blockages.
3. Clean Garbage Disposal Blades and Interior
   Disposals accumulate food residue, which can clog the drain or cause odor. Clean them by running ice cubes and citrus rinds to scrub blades and deodorize.
4. Inspect and Clear Outdoor Drains and Gutters
   Yard drains, gutters, and downspouts need to be clear before the fall rains arrive. Clogged outdoor drainage can cause water to back up into the foundation or lead to sewer line pressure.
5. Schedule a Professional Hydro-Jet Cleaning
   For persistent slow drains, recurring blockages, or gurgling, consider a full pipe inspection and hydro-jet cleaning. This high-pressure water cleaning technique removes deep blockages, roots, and residue without chemicals.

Risks of Delaying Drain Maintenance

Waiting until fall or winter to clean your drains could lead to significant consequences:

• Emergency plumbing calls: Blocked toilets, flooded basements, and sewage backups are costly and disruptive.
• Water damage and mold growth: Overflowing drains can lead to hidden leaks behind walls or under floors.
• Sewer line damage: Unchecked root growth or internal pipe pressure can cause structural failures requiring excavation.

Preventive drain maintenance is more affordable and less invasive than reactive emergency service.

Why University Place Homes Are More Vulnerable

Many homes in University Place were constructed in the 1970s or earlier, making them more prone to plumbing problems such as:

• Deteriorating cast iron or clay pipes
• Lack of backwater valves or modern traps
• Heavy root intrusion from mature landscaping
• Leaf accumulation that blocks gutters and storm drains

Older infrastructure combined with seasonal weather changes creates a higher risk of drainage failure if not proactively maintained.

Hunt’s Services: Your Local Drain Experts

Our plumbing team specializes in understanding the specific needs of University Place homes. Hunt’s Services offers seasonal specials including drain cleaning and camera inspections. Our trained technicians use safe, effective techniques like hydro-jetting and trenchless camera evaluations to diagnose and resolve hidden issues before they become emergencies.

We don’t just clear clogs, we help homeowners build a year-round plan for healthy plumbing systems.

Get Your Drains Fall-Ready Today

University Place homeowners: don’t let the end of summer pass without giving your drains the attention they need. A little prevention now can save thousands later in emergency repairs and water damage.

Book your professional drain cleaning and inspection with Hunt’s Services today. Call our team or schedule service online in under a minute.

FAQs

Q: How often should I clean my home drains?
A: Most homes benefit from professional drain cleaning once a year. If you have large trees nearby or have experienced past clogs, twice a year may be necessary.

Q: Are store-bought chemical cleaners safe?
A: We recommend avoiding chemical cleaners. They can corrode pipes and often provide only temporary relief. Natural cleaners or professional hydro-jetting are safer and more effective.

Q: What is hydro-jetting and when is it used?
A: Hydro-jetting uses high-pressure water to remove built-up grease, sludge, and even tree roots from inside pipes. It’s ideal for severe or recurring clogs.